Teßmann, Janina (2023) Change Perspective, Change the Story? The Relationship Between Cognitive Avoidance and Observer Vantage Point. Bachelor thesis, Psychology.
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Abstract
Background: When remembering an autobiographical event, individuals can see the scene either through their own eyes (field perspective) or through the eyes of an external spectator (observer perspective). Prior research has demonstrated that the content and subjective characteristics (e.g., emotionality) of a memory change when individuals switch from a field to an observer perspective. Furthermore, adopting an observer perspective might serve as a cognitive avoidance strategy to mitigate negative emotions associated with aversive memories. The current study aimed to examine the relationship between cognitive avoidance and vantage point shift. Method: We conducted an experimental study (N = 70) where half of the participants recalled a distressing event two times from a field perspective, while the other half switched to an observer perspective the second time. After both recalls, participants rated emotionality, vividness, narrative coherence, and emotional distance of their memory. Results: Cognitive avoidance did not statistically significantly predict proficiency in maintaining an observer perspective for an initial field memory. Similarly, cognitive avoidance was not meaningfully associated with enhanced changes in memory content and characteristics. The cognitive avoidance levels of participants with a natural field perspective were also not statistically different from participants with a natural observer perspective. Conclusion: The findings do not support the notion that cognitive avoidance tendencies and the adoption of an observer perspective are related. However, as this research line might provide influential insights for theories about the persistence of traumatic memories and therapy, additional studies investigating the interplay of cognitive avoidance and observer vantage point are warranted.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Bachelor) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Wessel, J.P. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | None [Bachelor Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 11 Jul 2023 09:22 |
| Last Modified: | 11 Jul 2023 09:22 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/2279 |
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